Park & Rec FAQ's

Is there a dance tonight?
This may be the most frequently asked question of all. Starting at 3 pm on Fridays during the school year, the phones at the Rec Center ring off the hook, especially if the weather is poor. This is the site for activity nights for 6th, 7th and 8th graders, sponsored by local groups as fundraisers. The children refer to them as "dances", but they are more than that: generally there is music, dancing and games in the multi-purpose room, pick up basketball in the gym, the game room is open for pool, Ping-Pong and other games, and there are refreshments available in the kitchen. The schedule of activity nights is published in the seasonal flyers sent out to the elementary schools and as single page sheets available at the rec center office, on the web page, and in the local papers. It is the responsibility and decision of the sponsoring organization to cancel the activity because of weather. When they make the call, the information is announced on the local radio stations.

Can I rent the Recreation Center?
Requests to use the Recreation Center are handled by the program superintendent. There is a request form to fill out, available at the Recreation Center main office. Costs vary with length of time, type of activity, and time of day. Contact the Recreation Center for more details.

Can I use the shelter at Wheelock Park?
Requests to use the Horseshoe Pavilion at Wheelock Park (the covered picnic shelter) are handled by the program superintendent. There is a request form to fill out, available at the Recreation Center main office. Costs vary with length of time, amount of people, electricity usage.

Can I use Railroad Square or the bandstand on Central Square for an event?
Requests to use Central and Railroad Squares are handled by the Director of Parks and Recreation. There is a request form to fill out, available at the Recreation Center main office. There is a charge for electricity.

Is this the cemetery department?
Yes, it is. The office handles grave openings, interment records, cemetery maintenance questions, and lot sales. The staff will help with burial record research.

What happened to the flowers I put on the grave?
There are many answers to this question. Perhaps the wildlife ate them (there are deer, skunks and other animals that graze in the cemeteries). If they were artificial flowers set out during the mowing season, they were removed. Check with the cemetery department to see if they were stored in the maintenance building. Obviously dead, unsightly plants and flowers will be removed from graves at the discretion of the director.

Why is the skate park closed?
Keene's skate park is open during daylight hours in the spring, summer and fall. Occasionally during the season there are repairs that must be made to maintain the safety of the equipment. At those times, the park is closed to the public. The park is reopened as soon as the repairs are completed.

How do I reach Surry Dam or Otter Brook?
Surry Dam and Otter Brook are run by the Army Corps of Engineers, not the parks department. This department does not maintain or schedule these facilities. Call Surry at 603-352-2447, and Otter Brook at 603-352-4130.

Is there skating at Robin Hood Park?
Thin ice signs are placed around Robin Hood Pond once the ice begins to form. At that time, the ice is checked on a daily basis for depth and strength. When it becomes safe to skate on, the signs are removed and skating is allowed.

How do I get a Rec ID?
Rec ID's are used as admission to the gym and game room during the open hours. There is also a Rec ID required to use the facility for the walking program. Both types may be purchased at the Rec Center office during business hours throughout the year. ID's are good from September 1st to August 31st of the following year.